Massachusetts Background Checks
There are very few ways you can learn about someone else's past without perform a substantial amount of research and utilizing possibly bias accounts. It's even more difficult to get that information without the other person's permission. This is clearly a big problem since you don't want the other person to feel like you don't trust them - you simply want to learn more about who they are.
Massachusetts background checks allow you to do just that. Based on public records (information collected by the government and released to the public), these background checks require no one's permission because they do not include any information that is considered a violation of privacy by the government.
Most likely you can find the information you need form public records, including:
There is a lot of information released in these public records, and all of that data will be found in your Massachusetts background checks.
Performing a Search
Public records used to be more difficult to access, because you needed to find the state or local government office in charge of the records, file the specific forms you need, and wait. Now, however, everything has been made much easier. Websites have culminated all of the information for you already, and all you need to do is know the name of the person that you're searching for. Instantly you'll get all of the results that have been collected from public records.
You can perform these Massachusetts background checks at any time for any reason. So when you need to know the details about someone in the state of Massachusetts, these searches are all you need to do.
Massachusetts Criminal Records
Only approved agencies and businesses are allowed access to Massachusetts criminal records, which are maintained by CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information), a subset of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). Massachusetts criminal records are not accessed through fingerprints, but only by identity qualifiers like name, date of birth and social security number.
Massachusetts criminal records are only available via mail at this time to certified agencies. The most common reason for requesting Massachusetts criminal records on an individual is during the hiring process. CORI requires that certified agencies who require a background check before hiring confirm that the request is being made as a final step towards hiring the individual in question.
Certified agencies cannot simply conduct background checks on any applicant, but should only do so if seriously considering employing that individual and must obtain the individual’s signed consent. CORI also requires that the agency or business keeps the Massachusetts criminal record on file for three years and in a separate filing location other than a personnel file to protect the individual’s privacy.
New regulations now require that all certified agencies obtain a copy of a government-issued photo identification (such as a passport) prior to submitting Massachusetts criminal records requests. This helps CORI verify any criminal history records that are questionable or if CORI is having difficulty determining whether a criminal record in question belongs to an individual. The cost for obtaining Massachusetts criminal records for non-government certified agencies is $15. Personal requests and third party authorization requests will cost $25, while a request made by an attorney via court order costs $30.
To request criminal records by mail do the following:
-
Step 1: Fill out the Massachusetts Criminal Record Request Form. Click Here
Step 2: Provide payment. Processing fees for criminal record checks are $35 per request.
Step 3: Mail the completed application and payment to the address indicated on the form.
For additional information on obtaining Massachusetts criminal records, please contact the office at the address or phone number below:
Criminal Offender Record Information Services200 Arlington St., 2nd Floor Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
(617) 660-4640
Resource Links
Massachusetts Criminal Records Requests
Massachusetts Court Records
Many Massachusetts court records are available to the public upon request through the SJC (Supreme Judicial Court). You may access alphabetical indexes of parties involved in both pending and closed civil and criminal cases, as well as docket books.
You may also gain access to case files, daily trial lists, statements issued by judges on particular cases, written police reports, such as probable cause or complaints, certain aspects of juvenile court proceedings, and even search warrant applications, including supporting material submitted to obtain the warrant. The SJC developed the Judiciary/Media Steering Committee in order to clarify what Massachusetts court records are available for viewing and copying.
For additional information on obtaining Massachusetts court records, please contact the office below:
SJC Public Information OfficeMaryland Judicial Center
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
(617) 557-1114
Resource Links
Massachusetts Guideline on Access to Judicial Records
Massachusetts Jail Records
If you need to locate a Massachusetts inmate, you will need to provide the inmate’s full name and commitment number. If you do not know the commitment number, usually the Department of Corrections can help you obtain it. You may also go online to www.vinelink.com, but this site is not maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, and therefore, all Massachusetts jail records obtained through them or any problems with the site should not be reported to the Department of Corrections.
To search for jail records do the following:
-
Step 1: Visit the Massachusetts Inmate Search webpage. Click Here.
Step 2: Call the phone number provided on the Massachusetts “Locate an Offender” webpage and provide the offender’s full name and/or commitment number.
Step 3: To locate records online click the vinelink.com URL on the Inmate search webpage.
For additional information on locating Massachusetts jail records, please contact the office using the phone number or address below:
Massachusetts Department of Corrections50 Maple St., Suite 3
Milford, MA 01757
(877) 421-8463
Resource Links
Massachusetts Offender Locator
Massachusetts Driving Records
If you need a copy of your Massachusetts driving record, you may obtain it in person at your local RMV office or via mail, telephone or internet. Unless you go in person to your local RMV office, your Massachusetts driving record request will take about 10 business days to process. The fee for this service is $20.
If you choose to obtain your driving record by mail, you will need to write your request and include your name, date of birth, license number, address and a check made out to Registry of Motor Vehicles. If you wish to request your Massachusetts driving records via telephone, you’ll need to dial the appropriate phone number that corresponds to your area code.
For additional information on obtaining Massachusetts driving records, please contact the office at the address or phone numbers below:
Registry of Motor VehiclesCourt Records
PO Box 55896
Boston, MA 02205
(617) 351-4500 (for Massachusetts area codes 339, 617, 781 or 857, or out-of-state phone numbers)
(800) 858-3926 (for Massachusetts area codes 351, 413, 508, 774 or 978-will not work for out-of-state phone numbers)
Resource Links
Massachusetts Driving Record Information
Additional Resources
Massachusetts Sexual Offender RegistryMassachusetts Attorney General